TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance has come under scrutiny for potentially funneling user data to Chinese state actors. Critics allege that the platform’s algorithms and data
storage practices pose a national security risk, particularly in Western democracies. While studies, such as one from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, found TikTok’s data collection
practices comparable to other social media platforms, the potential for Chinese government access continues to fuel apprehension. In response, governments have implemented bans or regulatory scrutiny, especially concerning the app’s presence on government devices.
